BRUSH Group acquires majority stake in engineering contractor McGowan
Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has acquired a majority stake in Scottish infrastructure and environmental engineering contractor McGowan Group.
The multi-million-pound deal sees McGowan – a National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP) – become a key part of BRUSH Engineering Solutions, a turnkey solutions provider to the UK’s power distribution network.
Based in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, McGowan employs 60 people in three business units:
- McGowan Infrastructure, specialist in cabling, ducting, pipework, substation and access infrastructure and accredited ICP within the public and private sectors.
- McGowan Environmental, providing design and construction services with a focus on delivering projects which protect and enhance the natural environment.
- Eco Cable Protect UK, supplier of exclusive and innovative cable protection and installation technology for the UK’s onshore energy and utility industries.
Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “This is an exciting deal for both BRUSH and McGowan, creating significant growth opportunities both north and south of the border. There are strong synergies between our two businesses and McGowan’s impressive environmental credentials add a new dimension to our engineering capabilities. What’s more, their exclusive Eco Cable Protect business gives BRUSH customers a lower cost, lower carbon alternative protection system for cable and pipe laying projects across the UK.”
Ross McGowan, who founded McGowan Group in 2009 and will continue as managing director alongside the existing management team, said: “Becoming part of BRUSH Group is an exciting new chapter in our story and we’re looking forward to working with the team at BRUSH to apply our approach to working in the natural environment to a broader range of customers as we support the growth of the business across the UK.”
McGowan is the latest in a series of acquisitions by BRUSH, which when combined place the Leicestershire-based firm in a leading position among engineering solutions providers including Aprenda, ETA Projects, KUS Power Engineering, Poise and Rybka.
Nicolas Pitrat added: “2024 has been yet another year of transformation for our business – one where we have made huge strides towards our vision of delivering complete turnkey solutions for our customers.
“Together, we are changing the landscape of the industry, redefining what it is to be an original equipment manufacturer; using our hard-earned experience, industry expertise, and drive for excellence to build a business fit for the future. As we move into 2025, we are in a stronger position than ever to deliver industry-leading products, services, and solutions to support the UK’s energy transition.”